Core Services
How We Work
Tidemark’s work falls into four clear engagement pathways. Each is designed for institutions that are ambitious and ready to grow with intention. Some partners engage with us at a single inflection point. Others work with us across multiple phases as momentum builds.
In every case, our role is the same: to bring senior-level clarity, disciplined strategy, and hands-on partnership that delivers real progress now while strengthening what comes next.
Engagement Pathways
1. Campaign & Growth Strategy
For institutions preparing to scale or raise transformational support.
Tidemark partners with leadership teams and boards to design fundraising strategies that are credible, compelling, and executable. This work ensures that ambition is matched by readiness and community trust.
Typical engagements include:
Campaign visioning and architecture
Readiness and planning studies
Case for support and strategic messaging
Board and volunteer engagement strategy
Implementation planning and executive-level counsel
This pathway is ideal for institutions preparing for a campaign, recalibrating momentum, or seeking a clearer path from aspiration to investment.
2. Women & Next-Generation Philanthropy
For institutions adapting to evolving donor values and influence.
Tidemark specializes in helping institutions engage women and next-generation donors as strategic partners in mission and leadership. This work reflects the realities of the impending intergenerational wealth transfer, values-driven giving, and the increasing importance of trust and transparency.
Typical engagements include:
Women’s and next-generation giving strategies
Donor councils and engagement models
Intergenerational stewardship and leadership pathways
Impact-centered storytelling and case development
Board and staff training to support modern donor relationships
This pathway strengthens long-term philanthropic capacity while aligning institutions with the donors shaping the future.
3. Leadership, Culture & Alignment
For institutions navigating transition, growth, or complexity.
Tidemark works with senior leaders and boards to strengthen alignment, clarify structure, establish cohesive messaging, and reinforce cultures that support effective leadership and philanthropy. This work creates confidence and shared direction during moments that matter.
Typical engagements include:
Leadership team coaching and alignment
Transition and succession planning
Organizational structure and role clarity
Culture and communication frameworks
Board and stakeholder engagement
This pathway is often engaged during leadership transitions, periods of rapid growth, or moments requiring renewed cohesion. This pathway is ideal for institutions who have welcomed new Heads, trustees, senior leadership members, or volunteer leadership.
4. Fractional & Interim Executive Leadership
For institutions requiring experienced leadership presence and continuity.
Tidemark provides hands-on interim and fractional executive leadership, most often at the Chief Advancement Officer or Executive Director level. These engagements ensure momentum continues, teams remain supported, and boards retain confidence during periods of transition.
Engagement model:
2–3 days per week for 3–9 months
Monthly retainer structure
Optional advisory support for executive search, onboarding, and transition
This pathway is especially valuable when institutions need senior leadership without rushing a permanent hire.
Short-Term & Entry-Point Engagements
In addition to longer advisory partnerships, Tidemark offers focused engagements that often serve as catalysts for deeper work.
These include:
Board retreats and governance intensives
Leadership team strategy sessions
Professional development for advancement and senior staff
Donor culture and engagement workshops
Select keynotes and facilitated conversations
These engagements are designed to deliver immediate value while creating clarity about what’s possible next.
Let’s Begin
Every engagement begins with a conversation. Tidemark tailors each scope of work to your organization’s goals, readiness, and ambitions, balancing strategic counsel with practical, measurable outcomes.